Sustainability in Sportswear: Waterproof Garments Made with Recycled TPU
06/12/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
The textile and apparel industry is one of the most polluting industries, from the beginning to the end of its production chain. The creation of fabrics, production processes, and the disposal of textile products all contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing laundering, in particular, is responsible for 35% of microplastic release into the oceans.
Among these, the sportswear industry is one of the largest globally, and its environmental impact is significant. According to a 2022 report by Textile Exchange, the sportswear industry generates approximately 1.7 billion tons of waste each year.
However, in recent years, it has taken significant steps toward sustainability. One of the latest innovations in this sector is the use of recycled Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) to create cutting-edge waterproof garments.
Innovative and revolutionary, recycled TPU is redefining the concept of sustainable sportswear. The adoption of recycled TPU in sportswear reduces dependence on virgin materials, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact. This innovation aligns with the path towards a circular economy, where material recycling becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Today's article explores the brands that use recycled TPU and their performance.
Recycled Materials, Exceptional Performance
Waterproof garments made with recycled TPU ensure maximum protection against the elements without compromising athletic performance. The fibers produced from this material are robust, flexible, and lightweight, offering superior comfort during physical activities.
From running to outdoor activities, hiking to gym workouts, waterproof garments made with recycled TPU adapt to the needs of a wide range of sports. Their versatility allows athletes to focus on their performance without compromising sustainability.
Fashion Brands Using Recycled TPU
Patagonia: Patagonia is known for its commitment to sustainability. The brand produces waterproof jackets and sportswear using recycled materials, specifically utilizing recycled TPU for the waterproof and breathable membrane of some of its jackets and pants. Patagonia Recycled TPU
https://eu.patagonia.com/it/it/our-footprint/recycled-tpu.html The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex Performance Standard membrane for optimal waterproofing and breathability.
Adidas: Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to create a line of footwear and sportswear using recycled plastic from the ocean. The collection includes running shoes, shirts, pants, and jackets made with recycled TPU and yarns from plastic bottles collected from the marine environment. The Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX Jacket is a trail running jacket made with recycled TPU and equipped with a Gore-Tex Performance Standard membrane for optimal waterproofing and breathability.
Nike: Nike uses recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable membrane of its running shoes. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable properties.
The North Face: The North Face utilizes recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable lining of some of its jackets and pants. The ThermoBall Eco Jacket is an insulated jacket made with recycled TPU and features ThermoBall Eco insulation, a material based on recycled polyester.
Hoka: Hoka uses recycled TPU to make the soles of its shoes. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable performance.
Salomon: Salomon uses recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable membrane of some of its jackets and pants. The Salomon Sense Ride 5 GTX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable properties.
Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein offers sneakers with models made from recycled materials. The outer soles of some models are made from 100% recycled TPU. Additionally, Calvin Klein uses recycled TPU for the waterproof and breathable lining of some fitness jackets and pants, such as the CK Performance Jacket.
Salvatore Ferragamo: The luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo has adopted recycled pre-consumer TPU since 2021 for the soles of its shoes. Specifically, it uses recycled TPU to create the sole of the Ferragamo X Bondi 8 running shoes, with the sole made from 50% recycled TPU.
Cotopaxi: The Cotopaxi Allpa Backpack is a trekking backpack made with recycled TPU. The backpack features padding made from recycled polyester and a recycled YKK zipper.
Arc'teryx: The Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody is an ultralight insulated jacket made with recycled down. The jacket features a lining made from recycled TPU, providing waterproof and breathable qualities.
Outdoor Research: The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket made with recycled TPU. The jacket is equipped with a Gore-Tex Paclite Plus membrane for lightweight and compact performance.
Recycled TPU is often sourced from various outlets, including:
Production Waste: Companies like Gianeco collect and recycle their production waste of TPU. These scraps may result from the processing of footwear, clothing, or other products that use TPU as a component.
Post-Consumer Recycling: Some businesses collaborate with recycling programs to collect TPU from used products, such as footwear, bags, or sports accessories containing this material. Once collected, recycled TPU undergoes a processing phase for use in sportswear production.
The process may include: Shredding and Cleaning: Recycled TPU is shredded into small pieces and then cleaned to remove any contaminants or impurities.
Melting and Forming: Recycled TPU is melted and transformed into pellets or granules. These granules can be melted again and processed to create yarns or sheets of recycled TPU material.
The properties of recycled TPU can vary depending on the recycling process and the quality of the recycled material itself.
Key properties to check include: Strength and Durability: Even when recycled, TPU maintains good strength and durability, allowing sportswear to retain its structure and integrity during intensive use.
Elasticity and Flexibility: Recycled TPU preserves the typical elasticity and flexibility of this material, enabling freedom of movement during sports activities.
Waterproof and Breathable: Many of the waterproof and breathable properties of TPU can be retained in recycled material, ensuring that sportswear is protective yet comfortable.
Lightweight: Properly processed recycled TPU can maintain lightweight properties, making sportswear comfortable and easy to wear during physical activities.
If you are looking for reliable recycled TPU, trust Gianeco.
Gianeco, reliable supplier of customised TPU granules and compounds
You can consult the dedicated page or contact the product manager.
Sustainability in Sportswear: Waterproof Garments Made with Recycled TPU
06/12/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers
The textile and apparel industry is one of the most polluting industries, from the beginning to the end of its production chain. The creation of fabrics, production processes, and the disposal of textile products all contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing laundering, in particular, is responsible for 35% of microplastic release into the oceans.
Among these, the sportswear industry is one of the largest globally, and its environmental impact is significant. According to a 2022 report by Textile Exchange, the sportswear industry generates approximately 1.7 billion tons of waste each year.
However, in recent years, it has taken significant steps toward sustainability. One of the latest innovations in this sector is the use of recycled Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) to create cutting-edge waterproof garments.
Innovative and revolutionary, recycled TPU is redefining the concept of sustainable sportswear. The adoption of recycled TPU in sportswear reduces dependence on virgin materials, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact. This innovation aligns with the path towards a circular economy, where material recycling becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Today's article explores the brands that use recycled TPU and their performance.
Recycled Materials, Exceptional Performance
Waterproof garments made with recycled TPU ensure maximum protection against the elements without compromising athletic performance. The fibers produced from this material are robust, flexible, and lightweight, offering superior comfort during physical activities.
From running to outdoor activities, hiking to gym workouts, waterproof garments made with recycled TPU adapt to the needs of a wide range of sports. Their versatility allows athletes to focus on their performance without compromising sustainability.
Fashion Brands Using Recycled TPU
Patagonia: Patagonia is known for its commitment to sustainability. The brand produces waterproof jackets and sportswear using recycled materials, specifically utilizing recycled TPU for the waterproof and breathable membrane of some of its jackets and pants. Patagonia Recycled TPU
https://eu.patagonia.com/it/it/our-footprint/recycled-tpu.html The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex Performance Standard membrane for optimal waterproofing and breathability.
Adidas: Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to create a line of footwear and sportswear using recycled plastic from the ocean. The collection includes running shoes, shirts, pants, and jackets made with recycled TPU and yarns from plastic bottles collected from the marine environment. The Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX Jacket is a trail running jacket made with recycled TPU and equipped with a Gore-Tex Performance Standard membrane for optimal waterproofing and breathability.
Nike: Nike uses recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable membrane of its running shoes. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable properties.
The North Face: The North Face utilizes recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable lining of some of its jackets and pants. The ThermoBall Eco Jacket is an insulated jacket made with recycled TPU and features ThermoBall Eco insulation, a material based on recycled polyester.
Hoka: Hoka uses recycled TPU to make the soles of its shoes. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable performance.
Salomon: Salomon uses recycled TPU to create the waterproof and breathable membrane of some of its jackets and pants. The Salomon Sense Ride 5 GTX is a trail running shoe made with recycled TPU, featuring a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof and breathable properties.
Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein offers sneakers with models made from recycled materials. The outer soles of some models are made from 100% recycled TPU. Additionally, Calvin Klein uses recycled TPU for the waterproof and breathable lining of some fitness jackets and pants, such as the CK Performance Jacket.
Salvatore Ferragamo: The luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo has adopted recycled pre-consumer TPU since 2021 for the soles of its shoes. Specifically, it uses recycled TPU to create the sole of the Ferragamo X Bondi 8 running shoes, with the sole made from 50% recycled TPU.
Cotopaxi: The Cotopaxi Allpa Backpack is a trekking backpack made with recycled TPU. The backpack features padding made from recycled polyester and a recycled YKK zipper.
Arc'teryx: The Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody is an ultralight insulated jacket made with recycled down. The jacket features a lining made from recycled TPU, providing waterproof and breathable qualities.
Outdoor Research: The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket made with recycled TPU. The jacket is equipped with a Gore-Tex Paclite Plus membrane for lightweight and compact performance.
Recycled TPU is often sourced from various outlets, including:
Production Waste: Companies like Gianeco collect and recycle their production waste of TPU. These scraps may result from the processing of footwear, clothing, or other products that use TPU as a component.
Post-Consumer Recycling: Some businesses collaborate with recycling programs to collect TPU from used products, such as footwear, bags, or sports accessories containing this material. Once collected, recycled TPU undergoes a processing phase for use in sportswear production.
The process may include: Shredding and Cleaning: Recycled TPU is shredded into small pieces and then cleaned to remove any contaminants or impurities.
Melting and Forming: Recycled TPU is melted and transformed into pellets or granules. These granules can be melted again and processed to create yarns or sheets of recycled TPU material.
The properties of recycled TPU can vary depending on the recycling process and the quality of the recycled material itself.
Key properties to check include: Strength and Durability: Even when recycled, TPU maintains good strength and durability, allowing sportswear to retain its structure and integrity during intensive use.
Elasticity and Flexibility: Recycled TPU preserves the typical elasticity and flexibility of this material, enabling freedom of movement during sports activities.
Waterproof and Breathable: Many of the waterproof and breathable properties of TPU can be retained in recycled material, ensuring that sportswear is protective yet comfortable.
Lightweight: Properly processed recycled TPU can maintain lightweight properties, making sportswear comfortable and easy to wear during physical activities.
If you are looking for reliable recycled TPU, trust Gianeco.
Gianeco, reliable supplier of customised TPU granules and compounds
You can consult the dedicated page or contact the product manager.
